Samuel Piña Fernández

Samuel Piña Fernández is a Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of the Balearic Islands, where he has been teaching since 2014. His academic career spans over two decades with a focus on ecology, biodiversity conservation, and the study of invasive species in the Balearic Islands ecosystem. He serves as Principal Investigator for the Interdisciplinary Ecology (ECOINT) research group and is a member of the Neurophysiology research group.

• BSc in Biology from University of the Balearic Islands (1997-2002)
• Ph.D. in Biology from University of the Balearic Islands

Dr. Piña Fernández's research focuses on biodiversity conservation, wildlife ecology, and invasive species management in Mediterranean island ecosystems. His expertise spans herpetology, marine biology, and ecological monitoring. He has conducted extensive research on the impacts of invasive species on native biodiversity, the effects of pollution on marine organisms, and conservation strategies for threatened species. His interdisciplinary approach combines field ecology with physiological and biochemical analyses to understand species responses to environmental stressors, particularly oxidative stress responses in native species exposed to invasive pressures and anthropogenic impacts.

His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on invasive species dynamics in the Balearic Islands, particularly examining the ecological impacts of invasive snakes, crabs, and algae. His work also addresses pressing environmental issues such as microplastic pollution and its effects on marine organisms, as well as the physiological responses of native species to anthropogenic stressors. The research spans both terrestrial and marine ecosystems, reflecting his broad expertise in Mediterranean island ecology and conservation biology.

• Principal Investigator of the Interdisciplinary Ecology (ECOINT) research group
• Member of the Neurophysiology research group
• Coordinator of the Coastal Health Monitoring Scheme (CHMS)
• Active participant in the Biodibal citizen science project
• Supervisor of numerous student research projects and theses

Dr. Piña Fernández leads several research initiatives including the Interdisciplinary Ecology Group at UIB, the Coastal Health Monitoring Scheme which now boasts 50 stations across the Balearic Islands, and the moth monitoring network. His laboratory work integrates field studies with physiological and biochemical analyses to assess ecosystem health and species responses to environmental changes, with particular emphasis on oxidative stress biomarkers as indicators of environmental impact.